The curse of the Travelers Championship continued on Sunday, with Viktor Hovland having to withdraw just a couple of holes into his final round at TPC River Highlands.
The Travelers Championship has seen a number of players withdraw this week, with Jordan Spieth dealing with back and neck issues on Thursday. Meanwhile, Si-woo Kim and Eric Cole were not able to complete 72 holes.
And they were joined by Viktor Hovland in the early stages of Sunday’s final round in Connecticut. The Norwegian went into the last round at six under par for the tournament with a real chance of securing a top 10 finish.
However, Hovland dropped a shot on the second hole. And he would bring a premature end to his tournament shortly after, deciding to withdraw from the event on the third hole, with Hovland seemingly not even able to look at the hole at address.
Viktor Hovland explains decision to withdraw from the Travelers Championship
It is a real setback for the youngster considering that he was very much in the mix to win the US Open just last week. His performance on Saturday at TPC River Highlands was another positive sign in what has been another turbulent season for the 27-year-old.
And following the announcement, Hovland explained when the problem emerged ahead of his tee time on Sunday.
“Yeah, I warmed up on the range, felt great. I was just going to hit a little bit last couple drivers before I was going to go to the first tee, and hit one shot and then felt a little bit in my neck, but it didn’t, it felt fine, didn’t feel hardly anything at all, just felt like something was maybe brewing,” he said.
“Then the next shot that I hit with a driver it just felt like, yeah, it just cracked. I don’t know exactly what happened, but there’s something that happened and just couldn’t move.”
Viktor Hovland suggests whether he was able to receive treatment to his injury
It appears that the timing was the biggest issue facing Hovland. He was asked about whether he was able to get treatment before teeing off, and he suggested that that was largely out of the question.
“I got someone to look at it or do a little bit, but I had five minutes before I was on the tee. There was really nothing we could do. So, tried to play, but just wasn’t doable,” he added.
Luke Donald will certainly be hoping that the problem is nothing serious, with the Ryder Cup less than 100 days away now.
Hovland has baffled many with his form since arguably being the best player in the world at one stage in 2023. But there have been better signs this year, including at the Valspar Championship where he managed to beat Justin Thomas to the title.
A third place finish at the US Open was another step in the right direction. So it would be a real shame if this injury ends up keeping him out of action for a significant period.
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